OPINION: Stand Up for Sensible Perry Hall Growth

I frequently hear from Perry Hall residents about how much they appreciate the that continues to be present in our community. Quite often, however, I also hear from residents and the threat of poorly planned growth. Many people who have these concerns have students in our local public schools and see firsthand evidence of more .

Positively, there is one process that allows communities throughout Baltimore County to ensure that managed growth prevails in their neighborhoods. Every four years, the county conducts what is called the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, also known as CZMP. Through CZMP, any citizen can submit a petition to request a change to the zoning on any given piece of property. 

The 2012 CZMP cycle began earlier this fall, when any citizen could submit requested zoning changes. Last week, District 5 Councilman David Marks that he would like to see addressed as well. Marks has on 30 different properties, covering just under 500 acres, including 280 acres of properties in Perry Hall.

In an effort to ensure that smart growth principles prevail, five immediate requests for reduced allowable zoning density have been made by Marks. These requests, if approved, would result in lower development densities for 72 acres of property. One of his requests—and the impact—is described below:

• A request for downzoning (from DR 10.5 zoning to DR 1 zoning) for 12 acres of forested property adjacent to the Honeygo Village Center. DR 10.5 allows for 10.5 dwellings per acre, thus the current zoning would allow an astonishing 126 new homes on this parcel of land. In contrast, the requested DR 1 category would only allow 12 new homes on the same site. 

Clearly, 12 new homes is a much better alternative than 126. How many families who could move into those 126 units might have children? How many cars would these 126 homeowners have and drive regularly on streets in Perry Hall? It is quite clear to me that just 12 potential new residences makes a whole lot more sense in terms of promoting managed growth.

How many more apartments and condos do we really need here in Perry Hall?

Sensibly, our representative to the County Council has also teed up discussion regarding the zoning status of a series of properties that total 209 acres throughout Perry Hall. Here is where it is vital that community members weigh in and make their opinions known. If you’re like me, several of the properties identified by Marks are near your own neighborhood.

If you want to prevent excessive residential growth, or even the conversion of a residential zoning status to one for commercial development, you should be sure to check out the complete list of zoning issues that will be considered through CZMP 2012. Now is your chance to preserve the fine quality of life we have here in Perry Hall.